Types of Vortex Flow Meter

Choosing the right flow measurement device is crucial for accurate and reliable results in industrial processes. One of the most popular options is the vortex flow meter, known for its durability and precision. But did you know there are different types of vortex flow meter designed to suit various applications?

Understanding these types, along with the vortex flow meter working principle, helps industries select the best option for their systems — whether for steam, gas, or liquid measurements. In this article, we’ll break down the key types of vortex flow meters and explain how they align with different vortex flow meter applications.

Vortex Flow Meter Design

The design of a vortex flow meter revolves around a bluff body placed in the flow path, causing fluid to create alternating vortices. These vortices generate a frequency proportional to flow velocity, making this meter ideal for measuring liquids, gases, and steam. The simplicity and accuracy of the design make it a popular choice for various vortex flow meter applications.

Types of vortex flow meter

Understanding the different types of vortex flow meter helps industries choose the right device for their needs. Let’s break them down:

1. Vortex Shedding Flow Meter

This is the most common type, relying on vortex shedding behind a bluff body. The frequency of vortices corresponds to the flow rate, providing accurate and reliable measurements.

–Application: Ideal for steam, liquids, and gases in industrial settings.

–Working Principle: Based on the vortex flow meter working principle, where vortices form as fluid flows around an obstruction.

2. Insertion Vortex Flow Meters

These meters are inserted directly into the pipeline, making them cost-effective for large pipes.

–Application: HVAC systems, water distribution, and large-scale industrial processes.

–Working Principle: Measures flow at a single point and extrapolates total flow.

3. Inline Type Meter

Inline meters are installed directly in the pipeline, offering high accuracy and stability.

–Application: High-precision applications, including chemical processing and power generation.

–Working Principle: Detects vortices across the full flow profile for accurate readings.

4. Multivariable Vortex Flow Meters

These meters measure multiple parameters, such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature, in a single device.

–Application: Complex systems requiring detailed flow analysis, like oil and gas.

–Working Principle: Combines vortex shedding with additional sensors for multi-parameter monitoring.

5. Vortex Precession Swirl Meter

This type uses a swirling flow pattern rather than a bluff body to generate vortices.

–Application: Suitable for gas flow measurement and dynamic flow conditions.

–Working Principle: Measures flow based on the precession of vortices in a swirling flow.

Read also: Thermal Mass Flow Meter for Liquids

Applications for Vortex Flow Meters

The versatility of vortex flow meters makes them a reliable choice across many industries. Their ability to handle liquids, gases, and steam, combined with a simple yet effective vortex flow meter working principle, makes them a go-to solution for precise flow measurement. Let’s explore their key applications:

1. Food & Beverage

In food production, maintaining accurate flow control is essential for product consistency and safety. Inline type meters are often used to measure liquid ingredients, while multivariable vortex flow meters help monitor temperature and pressure simultaneously.

Example Applications: Beverage mixing, dairy processing, and syrup flow measurement.

Why Vortex Works: Non-invasive design, minimal maintenance, and high accuracy for liquid flows.

2. Chemical & Petrochemical

The chemical industry requires robust, corrosion-resistant meters to handle aggressive fluids. Vortex shedding flow meters are widely used for their durability and accuracy in monitoring chemical flows.

Example Applications: Acid flow measurement, solvent handling, and polymer production.

Why Vortex Works: Reliable in high-pressure, high-temperature environments.

3. Energy Industries

Energy plants need accurate flow data to optimize efficiency. Insertion vortex flow meters are ideal for large pipelines, while vortex precession swirl meters help measure gas flows in power generation.

Example Applications: Natural gas flow, steam distribution, and cooling water systems.

Why Vortex Works: Suitable for large-diameter pipes and dynamic flow conditions.

4. Metallurgy

In metal production, precise flow measurement is critical for controlling cooling and heating processes. Inline vortex flow meters provide stable readings even in harsh conditions.

Example Applications: Cooling water flow, furnace gas measurement, and slag handling.

Why Vortex Works: High durability, minimal pressure loss, and reliable readings in extreme environments.

5. Pharmaceuticals

Precision and cleanliness are paramount in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Multivariable vortex flow meters help monitor flow, pressure, and temperature in sterilized systems.

Example Applications: Liquid medicine production, purified water flow, and clean steam distribution.

Why Vortex Works: High precision, easy to clean, and compliant with sanitary standards.

6. Oils & Fuels

The oil and gas industry relies heavily on vortex flow meters for measuring liquid hydrocarbons and fuel gases. Vortex shedding flow meters are commonly used due to their ability to withstand harsh conditions.

Example Applications: Crude oil transport, fuel gas measurement, and pipeline monitoring.

Why Vortex Works: Resistant to pressure surges, accurate even with fluctuating flow rates.

7. Steam Measurement

Steam flow measurement is one of the most common vortex flow meter applications. Inline type meters and vortex precession swirl meters provide precise readings, even at high temperatures and pressures.

Example Applications: Boiler monitoring, district heating systems, and industrial steam processes.

Why Vortex Works: Handles high temps, no moving parts, and reliable in saturated or superheated steam conditions.

Read also: Application of Vortex Flow Meter

What Media Can Vortex Flow Meters Measure?

One of the main strengths of vortex flow meters is their versatility. Thanks to their robust design and the simplicity of the vortex flow meter working principle, they can accurately measure the flow of various media, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

1. Liquids

Vortex flow meters are excellent for measuring the flow of clean, low-viscosity liquids.
Examples: Water, beverages, oils, fuels, chemicals.
Common Application: Vortex flow meter application in water treatment, food production, and chemical processing.

2. Gases

They can measure compressed air, natural gas, and industrial gases with high precision.
Examples: Oxygen, nitrogen, steam, flue gases.
Common Application: Energy management, HVAC systems, and gas distribution networks.

3. Steam

Vortex meters are widely used for both saturated and superheated steam.
Examples: Industrial steam, boiler systems.
Common Application: Steam flow measurement in power plants, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.

By accommodating liquids, gases, and steam, vortex flow meters offer a reliable solution for industries with diverse flow measurement needs.

What are the Advantages of Vortex Flow Meters?

Understanding the advantages of vortex flow meters helps clarify why they are so widely used. Let’s break it down:

• Versatility: Measure liquids, gases, and steam with a single meter.
• Wide Range of Applications: Suitable for various industries, from food and beverage to petrochemicals and energy.
• High Accuracy: Consistent, repeatable measurements with minimal drift.
• Low Maintenance: No moving parts reduce wear and tear, extending service life.
• Cost-Effective: Affordable compared to some other flow measurement technologies.
• Ease of Installation: Straightforward vortex flow meter installation with simple mounting requirements.
• Temperature & Pressure Tolerance: Handle high temperatures and pressures without compromising accuracy.

These advantages make vortex flow meters a practical, long-term flow measurement solution across countless industries.

What are the Disadvantages and Limitations of Vortex Flow Meters?

Despite their many benefits, vortex flow meters have some limitations to consider when selecting the right meter for your application.

• Minimum Flow Requirements: Vortex meters need a certain flow velocity to generate vortices, making them unsuitable for very low flow rates.
• Vibration Sensitivity: External vibrations can interfere with vortex shedding, affecting measurement accuracy.
• Straight Pipe Requirements: Proper vortex flow meter installation requires enough straight pipe length upstream and downstream to prevent flow disturbances.
• Limited for Dirty or Slurry Flows: Not ideal for fluids with high particulate content, as solids can disrupt the vortex formation.
• Pressure Drop: While minimal, vortex meters can cause a slight pressure drop in the system.
• Size Limitations: Large-diameter pipes may require insertion vortex flow meters, which can be less accurate than inline versions.

Knowing these limitations helps ensure you choose the right meter for your specific vortex flow meter application — balancing the pros and cons for optimal system performance.

Factors to consider when selecting Vortex flow meter

Choosing the right vortex flow meter is essential for precise flow measurement. By understanding the vortex flow meter working principle and matching the meter’s capabilities to your process conditions, you can avoid inaccuracies and costly inefficiencies. Let’s break it down:

1. Sizing

Proper sizing is crucial for optimal performance. An undersized meter can cause excessive pressure loss, while an oversized meter might struggle to generate vortices at low flow rates.

• Tip: Use flow rate calculations and pipe size data to match the meter to your system.

Impact on Vortex Flow Meter Application: Correct sizing ensures reliable readings across a range of flow conditions.

2. Rangeability

Rangeability refers to the meter’s ability to measure flow across a wide range of velocities. Vortex meters typically offer a good range, but it’s essential to ensure that your expected flow variations fall within the meter’s capabilities.

• Tip: Select a meter with a range that comfortably covers your minimum and maximum flow rates.

Impact on Vortex Flow Meter Application: Greater rangeability means better adaptability to changing flow conditions.

3. Viscosity and Fluid Density

Although vortex flow meters handle various fluids, their performance can be affected by viscosity and density. Higher viscosities dampen vortex formation, while density impacts signal strength.

• Tip: For accurate readings, choose a meter designed for your specific fluid properties.

Impact on Vortex Flow Meter Application: Matching the meter to fluid characteristics ensures consistent accuracy.

4. Process Pressure and Temperature Requirements

Different vortex flow meters have limits on the pressure and temperature they can withstand. For high-pressure steam or extreme temperatures, choose a meter built for those conditions.

• Tip: Check the meter’s pressure and temperature ratings against your system specifications.

Impact on Vortex Flow Meter Application: A meter rated for your process conditions ensures durability and long-term performance.

5. Minimum Flow Rate and Fluid Velocity

Since vortex flow meter working principle relies on vortex shedding, a minimum velocity is required to generate vortices. If your flow frequently drops below that threshold, accuracy suffers.

• Tip: Measure your lowest flow rate and ensure it meets the meter’s minimum velocity requirement.

Impact on Vortex Flow Meter Application: Knowing your minimum flow rate prevents measurement gaps and ensures reliable data.

Selecting the right vortex flow meter involves balancing all these factors to match your specific process requirements. Getting it right means precise, reliable measurements — and a meter that lasts for years.

Read also: Types of Differential Pressure Flow Meter

How to check a vortex flow meter for proper installation

Correct installation is critical to ensure your vortex flow meter works accurately and reliably. Even with the best meter, poor installation can lead to inaccurate readings and system inefficiencies. Let’s break it down step by step!

1. Verify Straight Pipe Requirements

Vortex meters need a certain length of straight pipe before and after the meter to stabilize flow and avoid turbulence.

• Upstream (Before the Meter): 10–30 pipe diameters
• Downstream (After the Meter): 5–10 pipe diameters

This spacing minimizes disturbances that can interfere with the vortex flow meter working principle.

2. Check Meter Orientation

Ensure the meter is installed in the correct orientation based on the flow direction. Most meters have an arrow indicating the flow path — make sure it matches your pipeline’s flow direction.

3. Ensure Proper Meter Positioning

For liquid applications, install the meter in a horizontal pipe with a full, steady flow. For gases or steam, position the meter so the sensor doesn’t collect condensate, which can affect accuracy.

4. Confirm Flow Conditions

• Stable Flow: Avoid installing meters near elbows, valves, or pumps that cause excessive turbulence.
• Vibration Check: Since vortex meters can be sensitive to vibrations, ensure the pipe is properly supported to minimize unwanted movement.

5. Set Pressure and Temperature Limits

Double-check that the process conditions (pressure and temperature) are within the meter’s specifications. Exceeding limits can damage the sensor or reduce accuracy.

6. Test for Leaks and Signal Output

After installation, run a flow test:

• Inspect for leaks around flanges and connections.
• Verify the meter generates a stable, accurate signal.
• Compare initial readings to expected flow rates to confirm accuracy.

With these steps, you’ll ensure your vortex flow meter installation is ready for accurate and reliable flow measurement!

Anasia’s products

As a process automation provider, Anasia offers a range of high-performance flow meters tailored for various industries, including chemical, energy, and food processing. Their vortex flow meter lineup includes:

• Inline Vortex Flow Meters: Ideal for precise liquid, gas, and steam measurement.
• Insertion Vortex Flow Meters: Perfect for large-diameter pipes or retrofits.
• Multivariable Vortex Meters: Measure flow, pressure, and temperature in one device for comprehensive data.

Anasia’s meters are designed to simplify vortex flow meter installation while delivering highly accurate results across a wide range of flow conditions.

Selecting the appropriate types of vortex flow meter ensures accurate measurements and smooth operations in various industries. By understanding the vortex flow meter working principle and matching the meter type to your specific vortex flow meter application, you can enhance system performance and reduce long-term costs.

Whether it’s for steam, liquid, or gas flow, choosing the right meter makes all the difference — and knowing the types available helps you make the best decision for your process.

Read also: Ultrasonic Sensor for Flow Metering

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the three 3 types of flow meters?

Flow meters are essential tools for measuring fluid flow, and they come in several types. Let’s focus on the three most common categories!

1. Volumetric Flow Meters

These meters measure the volume of fluid passing through a pipe over time. Examples include:

• Ultrasonic Flow Meters: Use sound waves to measure flow.
• Vortex Flow Meters: Use vortex shedding to calculate flow rate.

Best for: Water, chemicals, and clean liquids.

2. Mass Flow Meters

Mass flow meters measure the actual mass of fluid moving through a system, not just volume.

• Coriolis Flow Meters: Use the Coriolis effect to measure mass flow and density.

Best for: High-accuracy applications like oil, gas, and chemical processing.

3. Differential Pressure (DP) Flow Meters

These meters measure flow by calculating pressure differences across a restriction in the pipe.

• Orifice Plates, Venturi Tubes, and Pitot Tubes fall under this category.

Best for: Steam, gas, and high-pressure systems.

Each type has its strengths, depending on the fluid properties and the application’s accuracy requirements!

• What is the difference between Coriolis and vortex flow meter?

Both Coriolis and vortex flow meters are popular for industrial flow measurement, but they operate on completely different principles and serve different needs. Let’s break it down:

In short:

• Choose Coriolis flow meters for unmatched accuracy, complex fluid properties, and mass flow measurement.
• Choose vortex flow meters for reliable, cost-effective volumetric flow measurement in clean fluids or steam systems.